This weekend we bought a certified 2008 Honda Odessey EXL with DVD and Nav., and as much as I'm embarrassed to say it I love this van. 4 years ago someone paid over 37,000 dollars for the car and we got it for less than half that. Tom the wife has a 2011 Rav4 and has been extremely happy with it as a commuter, the kids aren't crazy about it only because there are no air or heating vents for the rear seats.To me it's a great little vehicle for running around town.

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A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.

When we first got our (humble by comparison) van, I was amazed how comfortable and practical it was. It has always seemed to me that - whether you are talking about houses, cars or TV's - there is no substitute for "bigger" as a measure of luxury.

I'd like to get something like you did with some creature comforts, too. Looked at the Lincoln MKX (Ford Edge) and it was lovely. Likewise, I would consider a Cadillac SRX or Buick Enclave (in theory) if I could get the right price. But I'm not sure I trust GM enough.

Tom, I don't have any personal experience with SUVs(have never even driven one), but the December issue of Consumer Reports concentrates on the reliability factor and has some good info.

It begins with "Only two years ago, Ford was Detroit's poster child for reliability...Since then, a perfect storm of reliability problems has dropped Ford to next to last among the 28 brands in our survey".

Toyota and Mazda have about the top performance(their tests)and reliability(owner reports)combination. Of the ones you mention, the Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-9 are ranked at the top of the midsized SUV category.

The Venza is a Camary on steroids. The hatchback body style is so practical, convenient & looks good as well.

I think that Ford's recent reliability problems are centered on their attempt to integrate aircraft type electronic aids into the cockpit. This is most difficult to accomplish in cars considering that aircraft reliably fly themselves without much fear of colliding with other traffic. It doesn't quite work that way in rush hour freeway traffic. All of these gadgets are proving to be unsafe distractions rather than aiding the driver. I believe that Ford's gizmos are proving to be quite unreliable as well.